Spanish chef José Andrés receives the highest distinction possible in the US

Spanish chef José Andrés is more than accustomed to rubbing shoulders with stars; in fact, he is now one of them within the realms of both cuisine and philanthropy. He demonstrated this once again by being awarded the highest civilian honor by the President of the United States: the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He is the fourth Spaniard to receive this award since its establishment by John F. Kennedy, following cellist Pau Casals in 1963, architect Josep Lluis Sert in 1980, and tenor Plácido Domingo in 2002.

Joe Biden himself was responsible for presenting this trophy to the chef from Mieres, doing so amidst heartfelt applause from all those present, after being praised for his tireless work, which now sees him recognized alongside globally significant figures in various fields. Among them are Bono, lead singer of U2 and human rights activist; Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State; Jane Goodall, pioneering primatologist and environmental activist; Ralph Lauren, fashion icon; Lionel Messi, considered one of the greatest football players in history; Denzel Washington, acclaimed actor and director; and Anna Wintour, chief editor of Vogue magazine.

The medal, reserved for the highest examples of civil merit, was established in 1963 by President Kennedy and is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions in various areas such as national security, culture, science, public service, world peace, and civil rights.

This recognition is not limited to U.S. citizens and can be awarded to both individuals and organizations. It is considered a symbol of national gratitude from the White House for exceptional achievements that have had a positive impact on society or the country. Among the honorees over the years are prominent figures from different fields, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Muhammad Ali, Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, and world leaders like Margaret Thatcher. The award is decided directly by the President, in this case, Joe Biden, who stated about José Andrés, "a renowned chef who popularized the cuisine of his native Spain in his adopted home, the United States. A proud immigrant committed to building tables for everyone, his organization World Central Kitchen has revolutionized how food aid reaches communities affected by natural disasters and conflicts worldwide."

In fact, the chef has just returned to the United States after an unprecedented deployment in the flood-affected area on the Levante coast, where he served about six million meals to the victims. His work in Spain with World Central Kitchen adds to his previous efforts in natural disasters and conflict zones.

Born in Mieres in 1969, José Andrés is a figure widely respected in the United States by both Democrats and Republicans. He is an active advocate for immigrant rights and for healthy, affordable food. He has directly advised presidents, particularly the Obamas, with whom he collaborated to plant a garden at the White House that still bears his name.

When a disaster occurs, he mobilizes his team of chefs and volunteers to set up kitchens on the ground, utilizing local resources and ensuring that meals are nutritious and culturally appropriate. This agility has enabled aid to reach those who need it most efficiently.

World Central Kitchen intervened in events such as the Haiti earthquake in 2010, Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico in 2017, the U.S. government shutdown in 2019, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza in 2024.

Alongside him, Biden also recognized billionaire and philanthropist George Soros, heavily criticized by Republicans for funding left-wing groups, and also very active in opposition to Vladimir Putin's dictatorship in Russia.

Additionally, posthumous distinctions were made to Robert F. Kennedy, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Ash Carter, and other figures like Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, Bill Nye 'The Science Guy', David Rubenstein, Tim Gill, George Stevens Jr., and George Romney, all of whom are notable in their respective fields for their contributions to society. For making the world a better place.